Is your development dementia friendly?

It is well known that creating vibrant communities around managed retail centres makes them more attractive to occupiers, benefits retailers by increasing footfall and enhances their reputation and also improves the customer shopping experience, all of which is intrinsically linked to the protection of capital values.

As such, in addition to delivering a high level of service to our clients and occupiers, it is crucial we provide an inclusive environment that is easy to navigate for everyone who visits.

Approximately 850,000 people are living with dementia in the UK which is set to rise to over one million by 2025 and two million by 2051. At GVA we are delighted to be working with Alzheimer’s Society as our charity partner, raising not only money but, importantly, awareness of dementia and how it affects people.

As part of our commitment we have been undertaking dementia friendly audits on all of the developments we manage across the UK. GVA is the first property consultancy to do this across their entire managed portfolio. The audits are particularly relevant to shopping centres, mixed use schemes and retail parks, all of which are visited frequently by the public.